Chapter 181

[ 628 words ]

Ronald reached out and scooped her into his arms, settling her comfortably against his chest.

He fondly ruffled her soft hair. “Not bad, you do have a conscience after all.”

Stella’s lips twitched in response.

Ronald’s warm fingertips gently traced the ‘love bites’ on Stella’s neck. “Wow, those bugs really went to town on you, didn’t they?”

Stella’s mind went blank. As if something exploded within her, her blood heated up instantly. Her cheeks flushed a deep red as she grabbed Ronald’s wrist. “Stop it, will you?” “Oh? Should I not mention it?”

Stella was at a loss for words, her face turning an even deeper shade of red.

Ronald lifted her chin with his long fingers, their eyes meeting in a moment filled with unspoken depths.

Stella’s already tense nerves frayed even more under his intense gaze. “You…”

“Why are your cheeks so red?”

Stella was speechless. The memories of the previous night flashed through her mind, and she instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck.

Resting her chin on his shoulder, she mumbled, “Just pretend I have a fever.”

She wanted to end the conversation. It was becoming increasingly difficult for her to navigate. Moreover, his questioning implied that he didn’t remember anything that happened after he got drunk last night. This realization made Stella somewhat upset.

“Feeling feverish? Let me feel your forehead,” Ronald said with concern.

Stella’s grip tightened around his neck, his words unexpectedly stirring a flutter in her heart.

“Don’t touch me. I’m not feverish,” she protested more forcefully than intended.

“Why is your face so red, then?”

Stella was at her wit’s end. Could he not keep asking?

Feeling cornered, she quickly changed the subject. “Didn’t you say you were taking me somewhere fun to eat?”

The mention of food made Ronald chuckle softly. “You’ll see when we get there.”

Stella raised an eyebrow. “Mysterious, aren’t you?”

After a half-hour drive filled with sporadic conversation, they arrived at their destination.

Stella made sure to wrap her scarf tightly around her neck, hiding the marks that could lead to awkward questions. Could she ever live it down if someone noticed?

Recalling Ronald’s and Yorick’s reactions to the marks on her neck, Stella couldn’t help but steal a few more glances at Ronald.

Feeling her gaze, Ronald asked, “What are you looking at?”

“Just wondering if there’s been any woman in your life these past years.”

If there hadn’t been, then his ignorance about the marks would make sense.

Ronald’s expression hardened at her question. His gaze upon Stella turned more intense as he pulled her closer, lifting her chin with a firm grip. “Getting bold, are we? Daring to gossip about me?” Stella stammered, “I…I was just asking. Can’t I even ask?”

Ronald chuckled. “Just asking, huh?”

His laughter made Stella involuntarily swallow hard.

“What’s the matter? Can’t I ask?”

“Star, do you hope I’ve had someone, or not?”

Stella was speechless. What was she supposed to say? It was like walking into a trap she’d set for herself.

Trying to wriggle free, Stella realized there was nowhere to run while in Ronald’s embrace.

His voice, deep and probing, made her heart skip a beat. “Do you hope I’ve been with someone, or not?” Could she admit she hoped not?

They were so close that she could almost feel the warmth of his breath. Stella swallowed hard, “I, um…”

Buzz, buzz, buzz.

As Stella struggled to find a response, Ronald’s phone began to vibrate. He let go of her, took out his phone, and glanced at the number.

Stella seized the opportunity to move away as she was free. That was really terrifying!

Ronald answered the call. “Hello?”

“How’s my darling doing?”

It was the voice of a middle-aged woman- Lottie Lugar, Ronald’s mother.

She had always held Stella dear, never wanting her to face any hardship. Back in the day, when Yvonne decided it was time to take Stella for some real training, she had been the most vocal in her disagreement.

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